Pippa goes climbing

North Gully – Wetherlam

Chris and his friend Nick headed up from Solihull to join me for a route on Wetherlam. North Gully goes at grade I which suits me fine and would not cause us too many problems. Pippa came too and I hoped it wouldn’t be too icy for her, but as it was, the snow was soft and deep as we approached the bottom of the gully.

The approach to North Gully

Chris found a nice sheltered spot to kit up in a snow hollow at the bottom of the crag. All three of us kitted up, trying not to spike Pippa with crampons and axes. (Thanks to Chris and Nick for coping so well with her. I don’t think she got under their feet too much?).

Chris starts the climb

We soloed up the gully, with the crag overhanging on the left. It was deep snow, and at times it was a bit of a struggle. One step up, two steps down.

Chris and Nick in the gully

But with a bit of effort we made our way to pop out into the wintry conditions near Wetherlam summit.

Chris topping out while Nick follows

A bit of navigating got us back down safely to the cars and finished off with a pot of tea at Yew Tree Farm.

An excellent day out and a thank you to Chris and Nick for good company.

Some more pictures will follow when Chris gets his 35mm film developed!!!